Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates his touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
During the summer of 2023, Vegas oddsmakers predicted the Minnesota Vikings to win 7.5 games. They later won seven.
A similar win forecast follows the team in 2024 — some sportsbooks say 6.5 wins, others 7.5 — even though Minnesota has quarterback uncertainty for the first time since 2017. So, to an extent, Vikings-themed predictions are scattered. And according to Bleacher Report, the Vikings will win eight games, finishing 8-9, while also grabbing a last-place finish in the NFC North.
A bit of a paradox, indeed, BR’s Maurice Moton explained, “Unlike some of the other teams projected to finish last, the Minnesota Vikings won’t fall to the bottom of the overall standings with one of the league’s worst records, though they’re in a division that could be the most improved between 2023 and 2024.”
Moton slated the Detroit Lions for a first-place finish with a 13-4 record, After the Lions, the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears checked in at 10-7, as Green Bay will evidently grab second place in the division.
“The Vikings lost quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency and signed Sam Darnold, who has had issues with turnovers in his six seasons. Rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy may not be ready to take the reins under center after serving as more of a game manager than a playmaker at Michigan over the last two years,” Moton continued. “Head coach and offensive play-caller Kevin O’Connell may be able to get the best out of Darnold as he did with Cousins. Darnold will make plays with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson on the receiving end.”
Minnesota hasn’t fired up a basement finish in the NFC North since 2013. It’s probably due for the spot, though many fans aren’t convinced that the 2024 season is guaranteed to go poorly.
Moton concluded about the 2024 Vikings, “However, the Vikings will likely have to live with Darnold’s stretch of erratic plays, which may hurt them in several close games.”
The Vikings’ season — like most NFL teams — boils down to quarterback performance. Brian Flores’ defense should improve even more in 2024 after a jump in the right direction from 2022 to 2023. Yet, quarterback efficiency, particularly limiting turnovers, will determine Minnesota’s 2024 ceiling.
Oddsmakers, too, on the whole, believe Minnesota will finish in last place.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.